Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Best BBQ Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 134 reviews
  • Author: Sarah
  • Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 5 servings 1x

Description

A flavorful and juicy BBQ chicken recipe featuring marinated chicken drumsticks grilled to perfection with a tangy homemade BBQ sauce. Ideal for outdoor grilling, this classic dish combines a sweet and savory paste with a rich, simmered sauce for basting, delivering tender, smoky chicken with every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Marinade Paste

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 large cloves garlic, chopped
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Chicken

  • 10 chicken drumsticks
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

BBQ Sauce

  • ½ cup finely chopped onion
  • ¾ cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade Paste: Mash brown sugar, garlic, salt, and black pepper together in a mortar and pestle until it forms a smooth paste. Spoon this paste into a resealable plastic bag.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken drumsticks to the bag with the paste. Coat all pieces evenly, squeeze out excess air, seal, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to let the flavors penetrate.
  3. Make the BBQ Sauce: Heat vegetable oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in ketchup, white wine vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes until the flavors meld.
  4. Preheat the Grill: Prepare an outdoor grill for medium heat and lightly oil the grate to prevent sticking.
  5. Initial Grilling: Remove the chicken from the marinade bag and place on the hot grill. Cook until brown on the first side, approximately 3 to 5 minutes, then turn once halfway through.
  6. Indirect Heat Cooking: Turn off one side of the grill burner to create indirect heat, aiming to maintain a temperature of 300 to 350°F (150 to 175°C). Move the chicken to the cooler side and continue cooking for 20 minutes, turning halfway through.
  7. Baste and Finish Cooking: Baste the chicken generously with the prepared BBQ sauce, then continue cooking, basting every 10 minutes. Cook for an additional 20 to 25 minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink inside and the juices run clear. Check doneness with an instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone—it should read at least 165°F (74°C).

Notes

  • For easier blending, use a blender or food processor to make the marinade paste instead of a mortar and pestle.
  • Marinating overnight improves the depth of flavor and tenderness of the chicken.
  • Keep the grill temperature steady at 300-350°F during indirect cooking to avoid drying out the chicken.
  • Basting regularly keeps the chicken moist and infuses it with rich BBQ flavor.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: BBQ chicken, grilled chicken drumsticks, barbecue chicken recipe, homemade BBQ sauce, marinated chicken, summer grilling

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://everydaytastes.com/best-bbq-chicken-recipe/